Does the league want to be known for “physical” play, which is a nice way of saying unskilled and uncreative? Or does it want to strive for creative, skilled play, which Zakuani was becoming known for before Colorado Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan ended his season with a hard tackle?

The penalty for Mullan will answer the question, Holmes says.

Garber has a big decision to make, potentially a defining one. Let’s hope everyone is mindful that bone-crunching, retaliatory tackles will not fill the seats of any MLS stadium. A physical league is a boring league and one that will ultimately fail in the U.S. if coaches and players are left to their own devices.

Garber and the MLS must offer clear guidelines about what this league ultimately wants to be. Garber started saying the right things at the beginning of the season about clamping down on rough play. Now he needs to follow through.

Zakuani has a broken fibula and tibia and his recovery could stretch well into next season. Additionally, reigning MLS MVP David Ferreira of FC Dallas saw his season come to an end on a hard tackle by Vancouver’s Jonathon Leathers.

“Does anyone pay to watch the league’s creative players get hacked, fouled and brought down by opponents who knowingly and willingly violate the rules?” Holmes asks. “Does anyone pay a premium to watch a ‘physical’ match, or a dull, defensive matchup that produces few scoring chances?”